[Just as before, he tenses up when she first hugs him back, not that the earlier tension ever completely went out of him. He's not used to affection quite like this, from peers or from adults, but he allows it of himself in this moment. He lingers, then pulls back, swiping at his eyes self-consciously. When he speaks his voice is thick, and to distract himself he rubs the crest of his partner, who is still standing close.]
...Yeah. It- will be. [Is he feeding himself a lie? Maybe. But maybe it'll help him tamp down the feeling he's made a fool of himself already, and that maybe he shouldn't feel ashamed about that, and maybe he should've just let her be it was all too complicated...] ...Th-thanks.
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...Yeah. It- will be. [Is he feeding himself a lie? Maybe. But maybe it'll help him tamp down the feeling he's made a fool of himself already, and that maybe he shouldn't feel ashamed about that, and maybe he should've just let her be it was all too complicated...] ...Th-thanks.